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May 15, 2015

New design for a modernized 32 hi-boy. A full scale model much lower, wider and definitely not another 32 hi-boy………. Working on a modular chassis with a central folded steel hub chassis and sub-frames front and back. I’ll post more details as the design is progressed.

This is a roadster design modeled using Delcam’s Power-shape software. This a hybrid modeller which means you can use solid and surfaces, and in the later versions Triangle meshes. I have produced many models using this software, it is easy to use but will take time to learn. Delcam offer a free to use version if you would like to try it. Visit Delcam.com

What I like about it is you can easily add a curve into a surface to change it shape and add surface together ( with the same no. of control rails). However I have now reached the limit of the software in producing a class A surface across a multi-patched surfaces. The need for class A surface arises if you wish to machine a large scale surface directly from the model as any small defects will show up in the machined part. Even so the software is still very good to develop a design.

This design was started with the full scale models of the men and the engine ( in this case a small block Chevy and Turbo 350 box. This give the scale for the car without allowing a design no one can fit in. Design modeled in 3d are much more build-able than artist sketch, but they do take much longer to produce.

May 12, 2015

Having condemned all 32 hi-boy roadsters yesterday I received my copy of Hot Rod Magazine and there is another 32 hi boy featured click here to visit feature. This is a very nice redo of an old look. The DuVall screen is nice piece especially with the hardtop. The car has an interesting power plant,manual transmission and disc brakes which should make driving it more fun. Overall the car is beautifully crafted and the fit and finishes are exquisite. This is the only 32 hi-boy that has attracted my attention for a long time.

The BUT……… with all this skill, money and effort why not build something truly unique.

May 11, 2015

Over the last 20 years the age of the average hot rod owner has been going up, early style hot rods are now almost all owned by guy’s in their sixties and over. The younger guy’s are now building later model muscle cars

The usual reason for this is this was the type of cars they grew up with and they are recreating their youth……may be true.

I don’t fit this description, never did, I like the style of early hot rods but not the way they drive. I’ve built many cars over the years and been to the all the shows.

It must be time for something new, I don’t want to see another fender less 32 hi boy. I want to see modern interpretations of a 32 hi boy. Similar to the new Camero, Fiat 500 in their conception.

This is not so easy to build and needs to be completely designed in a Cad system first (rhino cad is not that expensive around $1,000). If you cannot use these software’s learn or use the service of guy’s like me, there are plenty of us around. Obviously a complete set of molds need to be made, this is less expensive than you might think to do. The internet is full of helpful videos. I have done it and will be doing so again.

I will post over time details about how to approach these type of projects.

Love to hear from anyone taking the same approach. May be we can move hot rodding forward………..